In a significant initiative,Union Minister Jitendra Singh participated in the National Science Day celebrations at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
Reflecting on four decades of strong science and technology (S&T) collaboration between India and Japan, Union Minister Jitendra , Minister of State for Science and Technology, declared 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange.
He highlighted the advancements made since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, ushering in a new phase of Indo-Japan cooperation. Notably, since 2015, around 7,000 Indian science students have been selected under the Department of Science and Technology’s Sakura Science Program, allowing them to visit Japan and gain exposure to advanced scientific research.
This milestone event further strengthens the Indo-Japan S&T partnership and paves the way for deeper collaboration in key fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and Space.
Addressing the event virtually, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who also holds independent charge of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and various other portfolios, emphasized the significance of the Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Japan. He noted that this agreement has fostered numerous initiatives, making Indo-Japan S&T cooperation one of India’s most enduring international partnerships.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh announced that the 11th Indo-Japan Joint S&T Committee meeting is expected in June 2025. The meeting will assess ongoing projects and introduce new initiatives to maximize the potential of S&T collaborations between the two countries.
Emphasizing the strong and long-standing partnership, Union Minister Jitendra highlighted the significant role of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) in fostering collaboration. Since 1993, JSPS has supported over 300 joint projects, enabling thousands of scientists from both nations to participate in exchange programs. The partnership has also facilitated numerous seminars, workshops, and joint initiatives in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
Union Minister Jitendra stated, “Along with Japan’s Science and Technology Agency (JST), we are driving joint programs that focus on the future of technology. Our collaboration in these fields will be crucial in tackling global challenges in the years to come.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh announced plans to enhance student and researcher exchanges between India and Japan, with an emphasis on long-term stays, joint research supervision, and internship opportunities in Japan. Special efforts will be made to support and promote women scientists. To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has also extended an invitation to Japanese science students for educational visits to India. Last year, as part of this initiative, ten Japanese students, along with two supervisors, visited India for academic exposure.
Reflecting on India’s impressive transformation over the past decade, Dr. Singh noted the country’s remarkable progress in global innovation rankings. India now stands 3rd worldwide in research publications, PhD graduates, and startups, while also securing 9th place in research publication quality. Additionally, the country has climbed to 3rd in unicorn startups and improved its position in the Global Innovation Index from 80th in 2014 to 39th.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also took pride in India’s strides in space exploration, particularly the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made history as the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole. He underscored that this accomplishment is a significant milestone not just for India, but for the global scientific community. He further highlighted India’s cost-effective and ambitious space program, citing the 2017 world record set by ISRO for launching 104 satellites in a single mission.
Reiterating the theme “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” Union Minister Jitendra Singh underscored India’s strong commitment to fostering equal opportunities for women and young scientists, ensuring their active role in the country’s scientific and technological advancements. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, engaging academia, research institutions, and entrepreneurs to build an inclusive ecosystem where talent from diverse backgrounds can flourish.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also highlighted India’s expanding leadership in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and vaccine development. He pointed out that the opening of India’s space sector to private investment has created fresh opportunities for global collaborations, including with Japan.
In a groundbreaking move, he referenced the recent Union Budget announcement allowing non-government entities to participate in the nuclear energy sector. He described this as a historic decision that will pave the way for the development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), ushering in a new era in India’s energy sector.
Wrapping up his address, Union Minister Jitendra Singh envisioned a future of stronger scientific and technological collaboration between India and Japan. With a focus on shared progress and mutual benefit, he expressed confidence that the coming decade would witness even greater advancements, cementing both nations’ positions as leaders in global science, technology, and innovation.